Ted's Latest 'Owner's Corner'

Ted Leonsis, majority owner of the Capitals, has posted his latest newsletter to fans on the team's website. Just finished reading it. Here are some highlights and important dates as well as a link to the whole thing.

The team will host "draft day festivities" at Kettler Capitals Iceplex for fans who don't make the trip to Columbus, site of the 2007 entry draft.

This summer's event promises to take on an exciting new look as we open our training facility for that purpose for the first time. The Iceplex and its Arlington location offer a host of exciting opportunities for us, and we plan to take full advantage of them June 22.

TL also addressed the offseason plans. Nothing entirely new here, just a more detailed confirmation of what he's been saying the past few months.

We are focusing on the free-agency season, which begins July 1. If we are unable to address team needs from within the organization or via the trade route, we will look to fill them with smart free-agent signings. Our preference always will be to promote from within, but if we are unable to do so, we will utilize our collective assets to bring back needed pieces via trades as well as explore the free-agent market. We'll do our homework and ensure such players fit and contribute to our team chemistry, a key intangible that can't be underestimated. We'll also be signing a few of our draft choices and making decisions on some of our own restricted and unrestricted free agents.

And ...

All of these player decisions carefully will take into account not only skill level and speed but also a player's attitude, values and passion to compete. Obviously our lineup will consist of players with varying abilities and roles, but our locker-room chemistry and culture are extremely important as we add new players. We will continue to build with players who demand a team-first mentality, playing and supporting each other in any circumstance. As we proceed in developing this core group of players who will be our foundation for years to come, it will make it easier for us to add incremental parts when necessary.

The team's development camp will be held from July 9-14 at KCI. I'll post a roster when it becomes available.

TL also promises more details on the new uniforms in "the upcoming weeks". As you may have heard, the Caps are returning to their former red, white and blue color scheme in conjunction with the league's switch to the tighter fitting uniform "system".

This figures to be a busy summer. Whether it proves to be a productive one remains to be seen.